Tea Appreciation Thread

[clacktalk]

Post all your tea related things here! It can be anything, from drinks, brew methods, leaves, kettles, et cetera.

Just brewed myself some Irish Breakfast from Blackflower and Company. I brew my black teas at 205ish for 3 minutes, and it usually comes out great. Full of flavor and malty(?). It's time I train my palate haha


Thread was originally made for both coffee and tea, but rowdy showed me a way cooler thread. I hope it can be revived!
Coffee link here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40285.0

[rowdy]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40285.0

[blackbox]

Chai is one of my favourite drinks. Usually with a  little dash of sugar.

[clacktalk]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40285.0

oof I searched "coffee" and didn't find anything. Should I lock this down?

[blackbox]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40285.0

Yup, but the thread you linkd to does not contain tea. 

[clacktalk]

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=40285.0

Yup, but the thread you linkd to does not contain tea. 

Edited the thread to only have to do with tea. Time to brew some nice black tea!

[blackbox]

Wished I had some chai in front of me now.

[osi]

Mmm. Ice cold sweet tea on a hot day. Can't beat it

[Lanx]

ugh tea, i hate brewing it for my wife, so much that i got this
breville tea brewer

i have a pantry full of oolongs/jasmine/chais/greens blah blah and a printed out chart of time and temp needed for each. the breville takes care of all that, just input the numbers.

now she really likes barley tea and it just makes life easier.

heck i brew it in a french press

[tp4tissue]

or you know.. just pop some caffeine pills and a multivitamin..kehkehkehkeh

[Zeal]

Here's just one variant of tea that's sitting around our house...

"Old Pu-erh Tea" Aged for 20+ Years. Very expensive tea in the Chinese market, and is usually only serve to close friends / business partners. Requires 2 to 3 rinse cycles before serving, compared to 1 rinse with boiling water for other teas. Very smooth (sweet) aftertaste and no sense of bitterness at all when brewed. First brew is almost identical in colour to Americano coffee. It's such a dark brown that you can't even see the bottom of the cup.

Pu-erh is the only tea that has to left in the open air, not vacuum sealed. That's why it's sitting in this gigantic clay teapot. Phone on the left for reference of size.

[nubbinator]

Mmm, I love Pu-erh. 

[nameistaken1]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

[nubbinator]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

[noisyturtle]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

You mean the flavor of dirt?

[tp4tissue]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

Tea culture is just like coffee culture..  people love "elite tea"...

In the end.. It's just leaves, that someone dried or baked, and you throw some hot water in it.

[nubbinator]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

You mean the flavor of dirt?

Nope.  Young pu-erh can taste that way, but well aged pu-erh has a nice earthiness to it.  It is an acquired taste I'll admit.

[clacktalk]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

Tea culture is just like coffee culture..  people love "elite tea"...

In the end.. It's just leaves, that someone dried or baked, and you throw some hot water in it.

That's an oversimplification. In the end, anything is a lazy description of what it is or how it's done. I'm not offended, but that description comes off very patronizing

[tp4tissue]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

You mean the flavor of dirt?

Nope.  Young pu-erh can taste that way, but well aged pu-erh has a nice earthiness to it.  It is an acquired taste I'll admit.

nubbinator, are you asian...   if so how do you not know that tea is bull****.. 

[noisyturtle]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

You mean the flavor of dirt?

Nope.  Young pu-erh can taste that way, but well aged pu-erh has a nice earthiness to it.  It is an acquired taste I'll admit.

It's not that bad, just giving you ****. I have had some good pu-erh before, but it's become more popular recently that I keep seeing these crappy versions of it that taste like mulch

I am enjoying a great cup of Si JI Chun province oolong that is quite unique. A light flavor, almost has a hint of a mint, balanced with the taste of jasmine blossoms. Very good

[clacktalk]

Do you all have any suggestions as to how I can step up my tea game? I want to sample a bunch of teas without hurting my wallet too much.

[nubbinator]

Tea culture is just like coffee culture..  people love "elite tea"...

In the end.. It's just leaves, that someone dried or baked, and you throw some hot water in it.

I like good tea, it has nothing to do with elite.  It's just like anything else where there are preferences.  I just find it ironic that you're ripping on the distinction between good tea and bad tea on a forum that's dedicated to mechanical keyboards with a frequent emphasis on how they're better than the plebeian membrane and rubber dome keyboards.

I treat tea the same way I treat beer, wine, and any other food.  I go with the best quality I can afford that I can notice a difference in. 

nubbinator, are you asian...   if so how do you not know that tea is bull****..

I'm dayglow white.  And I know tea isn't bull**** because I've had good tea and I've had bad tea. 

I suppose tea to me is like Topre and rubber domes in here.  Some think it's all the same, some notice a huge difference.  At least with tea I know that there's a difference between good Chinese, Japanese, or Indian tea and the Celestial Seasonings **** you find on a shelf at the store.

It's not that bad, just giving you ****. I have had some good pu-erh before, but it's become more popular recently that I keep seeing these crappy versions of it that taste like mulch

I am enjoying a great cup of Si JI Chun province oolong that is quite unique. A light flavor, almost has a hint of a mint, balanced with the taste of jasmine blossoms. Very good

I figured as much.  Pu-erh reminded me of manure at first, at least in smell, then it grew on me and I noticed more nuances to it.  Now I love it.

My favorite Oolong so far is Dong Ding Oolong, a nice Taiwanese Oolong. 

Do you all have any suggestions as to how I can step up my tea game? I want to sample a bunch of teas without hurting my wallet too much.

Do you have a China Town nearby?  When I was in Seattle, there was a tea shop in China Town that you could try a bunch of the teas at.  I know a lot of them will do that with you.  You can also buy a bunch in super small quantities from them and walk out without hurting your wallet too much, but be prepared to spend at least $50.

[nameistaken1]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

I thought it was pretty good. To each his own, I suppose.

Although, to be fair, I've never tried plain Pu-erh. Maybe I'll get him to make me a cup without the additives on Monday.

[Zeal]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

I thought it was pretty good. To each his own, I suppose.

Although, to be fair, I've never tried plain Pu-erh. Maybe I'll get him to make me a cup without the additives on Monday.

Good quality Pu-erh tea will have an earthy, almost cedar smell to it. It should go down really smooth. Take a sip and enjoy the aftertaste!

[Malphas]

I more of a coffee drinker, but my co-worker loves Tea.

The other day he gave me Pu-erh tea with coffee beans, almonds, and chocolate in it. It was amazing.

Why would he adulterate something as amazing as Pu-erh?

Tea culture is just like coffee culture..  people love "elite tea"...

In the end.. It's just leaves, that someone dried or baked, and you throw some hot water in it.

Pretty much.

[Lastpilot]

Call me southern, but I like sweet iced tea. I also had a long island iced tea yesterday. It was good.

Note: I am a sugarholic.

[noisyturtle]

I don't think tea is like coffee at all. With tea there is so much variance in flavor profile that a person can choose a tea based on personal preference.
With coffee there are only two types: Good coffee, and bad cofee. And most sane human beings can tell after the first sip whether the coffee is pre-ground and processed freeze-dried crapola, or a real-deal cup of coffee.

[tp4tissue]

Call me southern, but I like sweet iced tea. I also had a long island iced tea yesterday. It was good.

Note: I am a sugarholic.

Diabetus..

[osi]

Call me southern, but I like sweet iced tea. I also had a long island iced tea yesterday. It was good.

Note: I am a sugarholic.

Diabetus..

Show Image

The ice will melt down and cut the sugar to balance it out. Add the Styrofoam cup and you're in heaven.

Best ice is crushed small cube style like sonic has. Bliss

[tp4tissue]

The tea I dread most is tieguanying..   seriously... i've put down hundreds of gallons of this stuff out of politeness.. because it's so damn ubiquitous

[noisyturtle]

The tea I dread most is tieguanying..   seriously... i've put down hundreds of gallons of this stuff out of politeness.. because it's so damn ubiquitous

For me it's anything with bergamot in it. **** tastes like medicine 

[nubbinator]

The tea I dread most is tieguanying..   seriously... i've put down hundreds of gallons of this stuff out of politeness.. because it's so damn ubiquitous

For me it's anything with bergamot in it. **** tastes like medicine 

Bergamot is bad, but for me it's anything with Jasmine...which sometimes includes English breakfast.  It makes my mouth go numb and swell.

[tp4tissue]

The tea I dread most is tieguanying..   seriously... i've put down hundreds of gallons of this stuff out of politeness.. because it's so damn ubiquitous

For me it's anything with bergamot in it. **** tastes like medicine 

Bergamot is bad, but for me it's anything with Jasmine...which sometimes includes English breakfast.  It makes my mouth go numb and swell.

I also  h8 barley tea...   This is why I try not to visit koreans in their homes.. because there's like a 78% chance, the barley tea will come out... and you gotta put it down to be polite...




I put up with bergamot   if I hum the startrek tune in my head... and pretend it came out of an enterprise replicator..   

[Sniping]

I drink a lot of tie guan yin.

[Lanx]

damn, just say you don't want tea? or ask for water? i follow traditional chinese as well, but i eschew all that politeness with a modern outlook, heck every 50+ mom/dad understands too by now, if not, they're too much in the stone age.

i mean sure if i'm visiting someones grandma, sure i'll buy a bussell of fruit and drink whatever they serve me, cuz they be grannies, but moms and dads? nope that generation should realize that we're all modern and **** by now.

[tp4tissue]

damn, just say you don't want tea? or ask for water? i follow traditional chinese as well, but i eschew all that politeness with a modern outlook, heck every 50+ mom/dad understands too by now, if not, they're too much in the stone age.

i mean sure if i'm visiting someones grandma, sure i'll buy a bussell of fruit and drink whatever they serve me, cuz they be grannies, but moms and dads? nope that generation should realize that we're all modern and **** by now.

I drink a lot of tie guan yin.

(Attachment Link)

I drink a lot of tie guan yin.

(Attachment Link)

You are now on my Enemies list... /scribble

[tp4tissue]

damn, just say you don't want tea? or ask for water? i follow traditional chinese as well, but i eschew all that politeness with a modern outlook, heck every 50+ mom/dad understands too by now, if not, they're too much in the stone age.

i mean sure if i'm visiting someones grandma, sure i'll buy a bussell of fruit and drink whatever they serve me, cuz they be grannies, but moms and dads? nope that generation should realize that we're all modern and **** by now.

you can't do that...  you're probably not old enough to understand.. but you can't do that..

[Sniping]

damn, just say you don't want tea? or ask for water? i follow traditional chinese as well, but i eschew all that politeness with a modern outlook, heck every 50+ mom/dad understands too by now, if not, they're too much in the stone age.

i mean sure if i'm visiting someones grandma, sure i'll buy a bussell of fruit and drink whatever they serve me, cuz they be grannies, but moms and dads? nope that generation should realize that we're all modern and **** by now.

I drink a lot of tie guan yin.

(Attachment Link)

I drink a lot of tie guan yin.

(Attachment Link)

You are now on my Enemies list... /scribble

hue

[Lanx]

i'm 35, i'm plenty old, i'm just modern, and i look at it this way, if my mom and dad and in laws accepts all these modern views, which they do, then fck others who don't.

[SSIPAK]

drinking boba count as drink tea right?

[Zeal]

drinking boba count as drink tea right?

...

Sure, let's just pour 2 cups of sugared water & milk, along with whatever other flavourings. 

[tp4tissue]

drinking boba count as drink tea right?

...

Sure, let's just pour 2 cups of sugared water & milk, along with whatever other flavourings. 

Tea,, is essentially flavored water,  the flavor being the (tea leaves)..


Suddenly..  Sugar and raspberry flavoring  somehow is considered a corruption of a corruption..


Hypocritical?


anything that goes into a water and flavors it is tea...  Yes that includes poo...  oh remember cat poo coffee and bug poo tea?   yea they're real..

[nubbinator]

Tea,, is essentially flavored water,  the flavor being the (tea leaves)..


Suddenly..  Sugar and raspberry flavoring  somehow is considered a corruption of a corruption..


Hypocritical?

Show Image

Ah yes, tp4tissue, the great philosophunculist.

Let me ask you this.  You wouldn't brew coffee with urine would you?  Urine is just water with urea and other  trace things, so suddenly brewing coffee with urine is a corruption?

Hypocritical?

Seriously dude, stop trolling with your asinine arguments and let people enjoy their tea.

[tp4tissue]

Tea,, is essentially flavored water,  the flavor being the (tea leaves)..


Suddenly..  Sugar and raspberry flavoring  somehow is considered a corruption of a corruption..


Hypocritical?

Show Image

Ah yes, tp4tissue, the great philosophunculist.

Let me ask you this.  You wouldn't brew coffee with urine would you?  Urine is just water with urea and other  trace things, so suddenly brewing coffee with urine is a corruption?

Hypocritical?

Seriously dude, stop trolling with your asinine arguments and let people enjoy their tea.

read my post again..

they make tea with  "****"


Kopi Luwak.. cat poo coffee  Bug **** tea.. ChongShiCha,    BOth of which are among the most expensive variants of flavored waters..



get over yourself..

Your idea of what is, and what is not,  is horribly outdated.

[noisyturtle]

three penis wine?

[tp4tissue]

asdf

[jacobolus]

The tea I dread most is tieguanying..   seriously... i've put down hundreds of gallons of this stuff out of politeness.. because it's so damn ubiquitous

Tieguanyin is delicious. We drink lots of it here. Can usually get 5–7 steeps out of it too.

For me it's anything with bergamot in it. **** tastes like medicine 

Earl Grey tastes like medicine? What kind of medicine is that?

(After trying some good black tea and some ****ty black tea, I can definitely now understand why the British wanted to add extra flavorings and lots of milk and sugar to the crappy stuff. But with that said, I also quite like a good Earl Gray, with or without some added milk.)

[tp4tissue]

The tea I dread most is tieguanying..   seriously... i've put down hundreds of gallons of this stuff out of politeness.. because it's so damn ubiquitous

Tieguanyin is delicious. We drink lots of it here. Can usually get 5–7 steeps out of it too.

For me it's anything with bergamot in it. **** tastes like medicine 

Earl Grey tastes like medicine? What kind of medicine is that?

(After trying some good black tea and some ****ty black tea, I can definitely now understand why the British wanted to add extra flavorings and lots of milk and sugar to the crappy stuff. But with that said, I also quite like Earl Gray along some milk.)

[davkol]

I drink this...

Like two liters a day. It's rough. That's the way I like it.

[tp4tissue]

I drink this...

Show Image

Like two liters a day. It's rough. That's the way I like it.

Tea addiction is almost exactly like coffee addiction.. 


depending on the teas,  coffee is usually more carcinogenic due to the roasting process..

[Lurch]

I ran out of Lapsang Souchong recently. It's probably my favorite black tea to date. Nice and smokey.

Other than that I enjoy green teas. My favorite is probably "Genmaicha Green" from Heavenly Teas" - green tea leaves with toasted brown rice.

[cribbit]

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/the-teastick?mode=guest_open

Any thoughts?

[Zeal]

https://www.massdrop.com/buy/the-teastick?mode=guest_open

Any thoughts?

Depends on the tea you drink. I know for sure that brewing Chinese/Taiwanese/Japanese tea leaves in that would be a waste, since the leaves wouldn't be able to completely open and a good portion would remain crumpled together. To fully experience the flavour/brew a pot multiple times, you need space for the leaves to open up fully.

Unless you drink tea with shredded leaves, I'd personally stay out.

[jacobolus]

FWIW, I highly recommend these things:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPA3Y8


Once your tea is done steeping, you can flip the lid over and use it as a stand for the metal part, and the little rubber lip keeps any water that drips out from getting on your table.

[noisyturtle]

FWIW, I highly recommend these things:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPA3Y8

Once your tea is done steeping, you can flip the lid over and use it as a stand for the metal part, and the little rubber lip keeps any water that drips out from getting on your table.

Agreed, this is one of the best designs. Takes the best features of a handful of other tea strains, and puts it in one device 

I use something very similar, but with no lip. I need to set mine on a plate. Wish I had a rubber lip

[tp4tissue]

You know how I can tell ya'll tea n00bin'..  u have metal come in contact with tea..

[Zeal]

You know how I can tell ya'll tea n00bin'..  u have metal come in contact with tea..

Show Image

Classic clay pot style :)  :thumb:

[tp4tissue]

You know how I can tell ya'll tea n00bin'..  u have metal come in contact with tea..

Show Image

Classic clay pot style :)  :thumb:

if you only drink 1 type of tea, it's ok to use a clay pot..

but porcelain is better if you drink different teas.

depending on the type of clay pot,  certain teas flavors may become absorbed.

whereas good porcelain is mostly resistant..

That's why glass has become more popular,  the problem however is the glass handle which might break off.

[Zeal]

You know how I can tell ya'll tea n00bin'..  u have metal come in contact with tea..

Show Image

Classic clay pot style :)  :thumb:

if you only drink 1 type of tea, it's ok to use a clay pot..

but porcelain is better if you drink different teas.

depending on the type of clay pot,  certain teas flavors may become absorbed.

whereas good porcelain is mostly resistant..

That's why glass has become more popular,  the problem however is the glass handle which might break off.

That's why you have different teapots for different teas. There are expensive hand burnt? (not sure how to translate it into English) teapots ranging from $500-$2000 for clay/iron style pots that supposedly "enhance/remove bitterness" from tea.

[tp4tissue]

You know how I can tell ya'll tea n00bin'..  u have metal come in contact with tea..

Show Image

Classic clay pot style :)  :thumb:

if you only drink 1 type of tea, it's ok to use a clay pot..

but porcelain is better if you drink different teas.

depending on the type of clay pot,  certain teas flavors may become absorbed.

whereas good porcelain is mostly resistant..

That's why glass has become more popular,  the problem however is the glass handle which might break off.

That's why you have different teapots for different teas. There are expensive hand burnt? (not sure how to translate it into English) teapots ranging from $500-$2000 for clay/iron style pots that supposedly "enhance/remove bitterness" from tea.

I have one.. it was 8000 yuan..  aunt gave it to me..

you know what, tea tastes the same..

[nameistaken1]

What's the opinion on Chamillione Tea? Does it legitimately help relax, and sleep better? Or is it a psychological placebo thing?

[noisyturtle]

What's the opinion on Chamillione Tea? Does it legitimately help relax, and sleep better? Or is it a psychological placebo thing?

Roman chamomile has been used for centuries this way, and chamomile is often included in natural sleep-aids so I think there's a legitimate basis to it's benefits. It also contains chemical compounds that are medically proven to help relax the stomach and ease breathing, so much so that doctor's recommend pregnant women don't drink it because it could induce contractions.

[jalaj]

what's a good buy in USA for silver needle loose leaf?

[nameistaken1]

What's the opinion on Chamillione Tea? Does it legitimately help relax, and sleep better? Or is it a psychological placebo thing?

Roman chamomile has been used for centuries this way, and chamomile is often included in natural sleep-aids so I think there's a legitimate basis to it's benefits. It also contains chemical compounds that are medically proven to help relax the stomach and ease breathing, so much so that doctor's recommend pregnant women don't drink it because it could induce contractions.

Interesting!

[tp4tissue]

What's the opinion on Chamillione Tea? Does it legitimately help relax, and sleep better? Or is it a psychological placebo thing?

Roman chamomile has been used for centuries this way, and chamomile is often included in natural sleep-aids so I think there's a legitimate basis to it's benefits. It also contains chemical compounds that are medically proven to help relax the stomach and ease breathing, so much so that doctor's recommend pregnant women don't drink it because it could induce contractions.

Interesting!

Most likely placebo...  because you need LOTS AND LOTS for it to be chemically induced.

[Protato_Tubby]

 I'm quite a fan of the Twinings "Invogorating Peppermint" tea. I also like their Green tea.

[tp4tissue]

I'm quite a fan of the Twinings "Invogorating Peppermint" tea. I also like their Green tea.

you want vigor,  take caffeine pills..

[Protato_Tubby]

I'm quite a fan of the Twinings "Invogorating Peppermint" tea. I also like their Green tea.

you want vigor,  take caffeine pills..

To be fair, it's not particularly invigorating - it just tastes nice.

[samwisekoi]

Personally I drink coffee.  Espresso in particular.

However, I don't always buy keyboards from Taobao, but when I do I buy keyboards with "Tea-axis" switches!



http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=nl&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fitem.taobao.com%2Fitem.htm%3Fspm%3D2013.1.0.117.hobFvb%26scm%3D1007.77.4.0%26id%3D20733204710%26pvid%3D0ab38334-c9ec-46fe-a000-9a9ffaa5411a%26ad_id%3D%26am_id%3D%26cm_id%3D%26pm_id%3D&sandbox=1

 - Ron | samwisekoi

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

I feel like I could use some more...

[SpAmRaY]

I just drink lipton iced tea with splenda.

[tp4tissue]

I just drink lipton iced tea with splenda.

in the end it's all just leaves + hot water.....

[SpAmRaY]

I just drink lipton iced tea with splenda.

in the end it's all just leaves + hot water.....

Show Image

I use this to make it http://www.mrcoffee.com/iced-tea-makers/TM.html?dwvar_TM_color=White%20%2F%20Watermelon#start=3

[tp4tissue]

I just drink lipton iced tea with splenda.

in the end it's all just leaves + hot water.....

Show Image

I use this to make it http://www.mrcoffee.com/iced-tea-makers/TM.html?dwvar_TM_color=White%20%2F%20Watermelon#start=3

does this pump water over the tea leaves?

is it cold infusion? or h0t?

[jacobolus]

I feel like I could use some more...

Are these all tea bags? Try some good loose leaf tea and you’ll never go back.

[SpAmRaY]

I just drink lipton iced tea with splenda.

in the end it's all just leaves + hot water.....

Show Image

I use this to make it http://www.mrcoffee.com/iced-tea-makers/TM.html?dwvar_TM_color=White%20%2F%20Watermelon#start=3

does this pump water over the tea leaves?

is it cold infusion? or h0t?

You use the pitcher to measure the right amount of water, pour into main body the there is a small basket that goes in the top and we put a few mr. coffee filters in it then 3 lipton family size tea bags close the lid, make sure the pitcher is up nice and snug and push the button and it heats the water and sprays it out over the top of the tea bags and it seeps through and into the pitcher, there is a mild/strong setting that varies the flow as it comes out.

[tp4tissue]

I just drink lipton iced tea with splenda.

in the end it's all just leaves + hot water.....

Show Image

I use this to make it http://www.mrcoffee.com/iced-tea-makers/TM.html?dwvar_TM_color=White%20%2F%20Watermelon#start=3

does this pump water over the tea leaves?

is it cold infusion? or h0t?

You use the pitcher to measure the right amount of water, pour into main body the there is a small basket that goes in the top and we put a few mr. coffee filters in it then 3 lipton family size tea bags close the lid, make sure the pitcher is up nice and snug and push the button and it heats the water and sprays it out over the top of the tea bags and it seeps through and into the pitcher, there is a mild/strong setting that varies the flow as it comes out.

is there pressure in the spray or is it drip type.

[SpAmRaY]

I just drink lipton iced tea with splenda.

in the end it's all just leaves + hot water.....

Show Image

I use this to make it http://www.mrcoffee.com/iced-tea-makers/TM.html?dwvar_TM_color=White%20%2F%20Watermelon#start=3

does this pump water over the tea leaves?

is it cold infusion? or h0t?

You use the pitcher to measure the right amount of water, pour into main body the there is a small basket that goes in the top and we put a few mr. coffee filters in it then 3 lipton family size tea bags close the lid, make sure the pitcher is up nice and snug and push the button and it heats the water and sprays it out over the top of the tea bags and it seeps through and into the pitcher, there is a mild/strong setting that varies the flow as it comes out.

is there pressure in the spray or is it drip type.

It's more of a lightly forced spurt in multiple directions over the top of the tea bags.

[D01]

Randomly ran into a tea shop in Ashland Oregon.  Picked up some Ceylon Adams Peak and Akbar Gold Earl Grey.

Only thing I know about tea is I like it black with milk any time of the day.

[noisyturtle]

i am drinking some freeze-dried Arizona from a styrofoam cup right now. Does that count?

[tp4tissue]

take some dirt...

pour hot water in it.. 

Take a sip..

It's almost exactly like tea.. 

[nameistaken1]

take some dirt...

pour hot water in it.. 

Take a sip..

It's almost exactly like tea..

Bet you love drinking this stuff:

[Protato_Tubby]

take some dirt...

pour hot water in it.. 

Take a sip..

It's almost exactly like tea..

Bet you love drinking this stuff:
(Attachment Link)

>Haterade
kek'd

[abdulmuhsee]

So I make my tea by putting a mug of water in the microwave, then adding a couple of these tea bags afterwards:



Is doing the fancy stuff where I have to put ground tea in a tea ball and washing the darn thing out every day really worth it?

[davkol]

So I make my tea by putting a mug of water in the microwave, then adding a couple of these tea bags afterwards:

Show Image

Disgusting.

[EpicSNES]

So I make my tea by putting a mug of water in the microwave, then adding a couple of these tea bags afterwards:

Show Image

Is doing the fancy stuff where I have to put ground tea in a tea ball and washing the darn thing out every day really worth it?

If you put dry ice in it, it gives an effect like it's super hot.

[Protato_Tubby]

So I make my tea by putting a mug of water in the microwave, then adding a couple of these tea bags afterwards:

Show Image

Is doing the fancy stuff where I have to put ground tea in a tea ball and washing the darn thing out every day really worth it?

Why not just boil water in a kettle?

[jacobolus]

Is doing the fancy stuff where I have to put ground tea in a tea ball and washing the darn thing out every day really worth it?

No, don’t use ground tea. Grinding is for coffee. Use whole tea leaves.

The problem with tea bags is that (a) they use really ****ty quality tea, (b) they chop it into super tiny pieces. As a result, there’s much greater surface area, and the tea loses a lot of its flavor through oxidation. A good loose-leaf tea can be steeped 3–6 times depending on the type. A tea bag is pretty much used up after one steep.

I wouldn’t recommend using one of those little tea balls – they don’t really give the leaves room to expand. You could use a tea pot, or if it’s just one cup at a time I like the little mug-insert steeper thing I pasted a picture of up above. Or for green tea I often just put the leaves directly in a glass or mug.

Why not just boil water in a kettle?

Americans, by and large, don’t have kettles.

[tp4tissue]

So I make my tea by putting a mug of water in the microwave, then adding a couple of these tea bags afterwards:

Show Image

Is doing the fancy stuff where I have to put ground tea in a tea ball and washing the darn thing out every day really worth it?

Why not just boil water in a kettle?

Laziness bro...

Same reason I microwave ramen instead of boiling when I'm sleepy..

[Protato_Tubby]

Is doing the fancy stuff where I have to put ground tea in a tea ball and washing the darn thing out every day really worth it?

No, don’t use ground tea. Grinding is for coffee. Use whole tea leaves.

The problem with tea bags is that (a) they use really ****ty quality tea, (b) they chop it into super tiny pieces. As a result, there’s much greater surface area, and the tea loses a lot of its flavor through oxidation. A good loose-leaf tea can be steeped 3–6 times depending on the type. A tea bag is pretty much used up after one steep.

I wouldn’t recommend using one of those little tea balls – they don’t really give the leaves room to expand. You could use a tea pot, or if it’s just one cup at a time I like the little mug-insert steeper thing I pasted a picture of up above. Or for green tea I often just put the leaves directly in a glass or mug.

Why not just boil water in a kettle?

Americans, by and large, don’t have kettles.

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

Is doing the fancy stuff where I have to put ground tea in a tea ball and washing the darn thing out every day really worth it?

No, don’t use ground tea. Grinding is for coffee. Use whole tea leaves.

The problem with tea bags is that (a) they use really ****ty quality tea, (b) they chop it into super tiny pieces. As a result, there’s much greater surface area, and the tea loses a lot of its flavor through oxidation. A good loose-leaf tea can be steeped 3–6 times depending on the type. A tea bag is pretty much used up after one steep.

I wouldn’t recommend using one of those little tea balls – they don’t really give the leaves room to expand. You could use a tea pot, or if it’s just one cup at a time I like the little mug-insert steeper thing I pasted a picture of up above. Or for green tea I often just put the leaves directly in a glass or mug.

Why not just boil water in a kettle?

Americans, by and large, don’t have kettles.

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

is 'murican.

has kettle.

am i special now?

[jacobolus]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

has kettle

drinks tea

can drive stick

can throw baseball

am i special now?

[noisyturtle]

Is doing the fancy stuff where I have to put ground tea in a tea ball and washing the darn thing out every day really worth it?

No, don’t use ground tea. Grinding is for coffee. Use whole tea leaves.

The problem with tea bags is that (a) they use really ****ty quality tea, (b) they chop it into super tiny pieces. As a result, there’s much greater surface area, and the tea loses a lot of its flavor through oxidation. A good loose-leaf tea can be steeped 3–6 times depending on the type. A tea bag is pretty much used up after one steep.

I wouldn’t recommend using one of those little tea balls – they don’t really give the leaves room to expand. You could use a tea pot, or if it’s just one cup at a time I like the little mug-insert steeper thing I pasted a picture of up above. Or for green tea I often just put the leaves directly in a glass or mug.

Why not just boil water in a kettle?

Americans, by and large, don’t have kettles.

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

I tossed my kettle after getting a water boiler and realizing it boils water about twice as fast as the kettle did. SOL if the electricity goes out though.

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

Honestly, I see tea as more of a Far East tradition. China, Japan, monks, meditation, and cherry blossoms. Buying greasy unidentifiable meats from old men on the street, not knowing whether or not that hot chick is actually a dude, bad karaoke, and fishing in extremely polluted water systems. That's what tea makes me think of.

[D01]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

Depends on how long ago your relations came to this country.  If your new I can see how that might be the perception.

[Protato_Tubby]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

Most people who drive here in the UK Drive a manual not an automatic.
Often people who want to drive an Automatic only have a license for an automatic.
Back to Tea, Today I enjoyed a pomegranite Tea

[tp4tissue]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

Most people who drive here in the UK Drive a manual not an automatic.
Often people who want to drive an Automatic only have a license for an automatic.
Back to Tea, Today I enjoyed a pomegranite Tea

Pomegranite flavored tea.. or tea made from pomegranite.. 

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

Most people who drive here in the UK Drive a manual not an automatic.
Often people who want to drive an Automatic only have a license for an automatic.
Back to Tea, Today I enjoyed a pomegranite Tea

Pomegranite flavored tea.. or tea made from pomegranite.. 

I know what a pomegranate is, but what's a pomegranite? Is it like POM & granite?

[tp4tissue]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

Most people who drive here in the UK Drive a manual not an automatic.
Often people who want to drive an Automatic only have a license for an automatic.
Back to Tea, Today I enjoyed a pomegranite Tea

Pomegranite flavored tea.. or tea made from pomegranite.. 

I know what a pomegranate is, but what's a pomegranite? Is it like POM & granite?

[Protato_Tubby]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

Most people who drive here in the UK Drive a manual not an automatic.
Often people who want to drive an Automatic only have a license for an automatic.
Back to Tea, Today I enjoyed a pomegranite Tea

Pomegranite flavored tea.. or tea made from pomegranite.. 

I know what a pomegranate is, but what's a pomegranite? Is it like POM & granite?

I just can't spell.

[Protato_Tubby]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

Most people who drive here in the UK Drive a manual not an automatic.
Often people who want to drive an Automatic only have a license for an automatic.
Back to Tea, Today I enjoyed a pomegranite Tea

Pomegranite flavored tea.. or tea made from pomegranite..

I actually don't know O_o

I'll go downstairs, read the box and come back to you once I know

[abdulmuhsee]

FWIW, I highly recommend these things:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001JPA3Y8

Show Image

Once your tea is done steeping, you can flip the lid over and use it as a stand for the metal part, and the little rubber lip keeps any water that drips out from getting on your table.

Is doing the fancy stuff where I have to put ground tea in a tea ball and washing the darn thing out every day really worth it?

No, don’t use ground tea. Grinding is for coffee. Use whole tea leaves.

The problem with tea bags is that (a) they use really ****ty quality tea, (b) they chop it into super tiny pieces. As a result, there’s much greater surface area, and the tea loses a lot of its flavor through oxidation. A good loose-leaf tea can be steeped 3–6 times depending on the type. A tea bag is pretty much used up after one steep.

Well I only drink one mug a day, so I don't really need the tea bag to last beyond that.

I wouldn’t recommend using one of those little tea balls – they don’t really give the leaves room to expand. You could use a tea pot, or if it’s just one cup at a time I like the little mug-insert steeper thing I pasted a picture of up above. Or for green tea I often just put the leaves directly in a glass or mug.

I used a tea ball for awhile until it became a pain to constantly get the leftover tea leaves out of all the little divots after every use.  The device you posted basically looks like a giant tea ball.  I need a single mug fast with minimal cleanup before I leave the house, and tea bags are as easy as it gets.  If there's some device that makes using loose leaf tea easier, faster and less messy, then I'm all ears, minus the "if you think that's too hard, then nothing is easy enough for you spiel.

Also, what's the outrageous difference between boiling water in a kettle or bringing it to a boil in the microwave to the point that someone called it disgusting?  You're applying heat to the water and getting the same result; it's just quite a bit more convenient to use the microwave.

[Zeal]

I'm not sure about your microwave, but from my experience, microwaving anything cools down a lot faster than properly baked / boiled / pan fried stuff.

[jacobolus]

I used a tea ball for awhile until it became a pain to constantly get the leftover tea leaves out of all the little divots after every use.  The device you posted basically looks like a giant tea ball.  I need a single mug fast with minimal cleanup before I leave the house, and tea bags are as easy as it gets.  If there's some device that makes using loose leaf tea easier, faster and less messy, then I'm all ears.

The little mug infuser thing pictured up-thread is actually really easy to clean. I just whack it against the side of the compost bin under the sink, and then rinsing any remaining leaves out takes a few seconds.

Also, what's the outrageous difference between boiling water in a kettle or bringing it to a boil in the microwave to the point that someone called it disgusting?  You're applying heat to the water and getting the same result; it's just quite a bit more convenient to use the microwave.

Heat water however you like; if you’re using tea bags you’re getting mediocre tasting tea no matter how you heat the water.

Do note that you don’t actually get precisely the same result. For one thing, it’s really hard to get water to be consistently heated to the temperature you want in a microwave (which heats quite unevenly and will also happily heat some of the water beyond the boiling point), whereas if you boil water in a kettle it’s basically guaranteed to all be at the boiling point. There’s also various stuff dissolved in the water (oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc.) that will be released the longer water stays near boiling. I don’t personally find this makes any obvious difference, but some tea connoisseurs claim they get a different tasting result if they immediately use water that has just barely gotten to a boil (in a kettle of course).

If you want to be sure, I guess you could do a double-blind taste test. I’d recommend starting with some good tea though, that’s going to make a much more dramatic difference than using a kettle instead of a microwave.

[Also note, most black tea should be steeped in boiling or near-boiling water; most other types of tea need to be steeped at lower temperatures.]

[Protato_Tubby]

AS A BRIT AND A S A EUROPEAN I'M OUTRAGED THAT MOST AMERICANS DON'T HAVE KETTLES. IT'S ONE'S BIRTH RIGHT TO USE A KETTLE TO MAKE TEA!

See, the thing about tea is that, from an American perspective, it’s a tool of the British Empire and a symbol of tyranny and oppression. Drinking tea marks someone as either a traitorous Tory spy, or at any rate some kind of effeminate sissy who probably can’t drive stick or throw a baseball.

Most people who drive here in the UK Drive a manual not an automatic.
Often people who want to drive an Automatic only have a license for an automatic.
Back to Tea, Today I enjoyed a pomegranite Tea

Pomegranite flavored tea.. or tea made from pomegranite..

I actually don't know O_o

I'll go downstairs, read the box and come back to you once I know

I read the ingredients and there isn't actually any pomegranate in there at all.
It's raspberry dresses as Pomegranate.

[CPTBadAss]

Mmmm, been drinking a lot of oolong again. My favorite tea .

[nubbinator]

Mmmm, been drinking a lot of oolong again. My favorite tea .

All oolong or a specific type?  Dong Ding is my favorite I've had so far.

[CPTBadAss]

Mmmm, been drinking a lot of oolong again. My favorite tea .

All oolong or a specific type?  Dong Ding is my favorite I've had so far.

Um. I'm not actually sure. I usually get from the Chinese market in town. The tea leaves I have is a brand that I've been drinking for as long as I can remember. The tin is in Chinese so I just recognize it from going to the market with my family. The tea bags I have at work are Foojoy Wuji Oolong tea bags.

I would like to get into nicer more specialized teas but I'm really stuck on the stuff I grew up drinking. And coffee.

[jacobolus]

The tea bags I have at work are Foojoy Wuji Oolong tea bags.

Such silly spelling. I assume they’re referring to tea from the Wuyi mountains in Fujian?

[smarmar]

I tried two different brands of pu-erh, the pricier one being Yunnan, and both taste like filtered dirt-water. I guess they're not aged enough. I do like the low astringency and mellowness though. My tea of choice is yerba mate (the official drink of Argentina). Man, some strongly-brewed mate with a dash of honey and cinnamon tastes like an old, haunted cedar drawer in a forgotten armoire in my grandma's closet--yes, that's a good thing!

I was wondering where some of guys got those small keyboard icons displayed at the bottoms of your comments.

[jacobolus]

I tried two different brands of pu-erh, the pricier one being Yunnan, and both taste like filtered dirt-water. I guess they're not aged enough.

How many times did you steep the pu-erh? It really varies dramatically from on steep to the next. I don’t really drink pu-erh so take this with a grain of salt, but: You might want to throw away a first rinse steep of a few seconds (or maybe up to 30), because it’s going to not be super tasty. Then after that the next several steeps should be I think about a minute long. (Maybe starting a bit shorter and working up to a bit longer as you keep steeping the tea.) By steep 3 or 4, there shouldn’t really be much of that earthy flavor left, and you can probably get at least 6 steeps out of the tea, if not more.

[nubbinator]

I tried two different brands of pu-erh, the pricier one being Yunnan, and both taste like filtered dirt-water. I guess they're not aged enough.

How many times did you steep the pu-erh? It really varies dramatically from on steep to the next. I don’t really drink pu-erh so take this with a grain of salt, but: You might want to throw away a first rinse steep of a few seconds (or maybe up to 30), because it’s going to not be super tasty. Then after that the next several steeps should be I think about a minute long. (Maybe starting a bit shorter and working up to a bit longer as you keep steeping the tea.) By steep 3 or 4, there shouldn’t really be much of that earthy flavor left, and you can probably get at least 6 steeps out of the tea, if not more.

I still like that first steep, but yeah, the true flavor where it really shines is a couple of steeps in, usually around the third steep.

[noisyturtle]

I was instructed to wash the pu-erh prior to steeping because of the dirt in it. Or at least that's what the instruction card the guy at the tea shop gave me, he didn't speak any English.

[nubbinator]

I was instructed to wash the pu-erh prior to steeping because of the dirt in it. Or at least that's what the instruction card the guy at the tea shop gave me, he didn't speak any English.

Any Chinese tea should get a quick rinse with warm water before you steep it to help open it up, warm the leaves, and get the best flavor out of it...or so I was told by a guy in a Chinese tea shop in Seattle.  I still like that first steep of Pu-Erh though.

[smarmar]

I was instructed to wash the pu-erh prior to steeping because of the dirt in it. Or at least that's what the instruction card the guy at the tea shop gave me, he didn't speak any English.

Any Chinese tea should get a quick rinse with warm water before you steep it to help open it up, warm the leaves, and get the best flavor out of it...or so I was told by a guy in a Chinese tea shop in Seattle.  I still like that first steep of Pu-Erh though.

I usually run warm water over the leaves of tea that come in twisted leaves or gun powder balls to let them open up. I've noticed that with each consecutive steep pu-erh does indeed get more mild and less dirty tasting. It also complements meals a lot better than green teas and some white teas.

[Zeal]

I prefer the first & second steep for pu-erh. I guess it's an acquired taste. 

[GL1TCH3D]

Who knew I'd find tea enthusiasts here as well?
I love me the traditional Chinese tea.
I have 2 nice puerh cakes, some high mountain oolong and more!
Some of my favorites are Feng Huang teas and the high mountain Oolongs
I find one of my puerh cakes (2004) very earthy and dark in taste but the other one is wonderfully rich and smooth (still with a darker taste)
http://imgur.com/a/nVy1R

In the Gaiwan I have a Feng Huang and the Yixing Clay teapot there is dedicated to my oolongs.

[smarmar]

GL1TCH3D, that is a fine-looking tea set.  I have a small iron teapot with metal basket that I have yet to actually use for something other than decoration on my media shelf.  I am most fond of my ceramic Year-of-the-Rat tea mug with tea basket and lid.  I use it mainly for pu-erh so the inside is lined with a hearty brown stain (for lack of an automatic dishwasher). 

[GL1TCH3D]

GL1TCH3D, that is a fine-looking tea set.  I have a small iron teapot with metal basket that I have yet to actually use for something other than decoration on my media shelf.  I am most fond of my ceramic Year-of-the-Rat tea mug with tea basket and lid.  I use it mainly for pu-erh so the inside is lined with a hearty brown stain (for lack of an automatic dishwasher). 

The yixing clay teapots are a special blend of clay that supposedly absorb some of the flavor and color of the tea. You're not actually supposed to wash it! (Though do wash the ceramic)

[mauri]

(turkish) apple tea is the ****

[tp4tissue]

I was instructed to wash the pu-erh prior to steeping because of the dirt in it. Or at least that's what the instruction card the guy at the tea shop gave me, he didn't speak any English.

Any Chinese tea should get a quick rinse with warm water before you steep it to help open it up, warm the leaves, and get the best flavor out of it...or so I was told by a guy in a Chinese tea shop in Seattle.  I still like that first steep of Pu-Erh though.

I usually run warm water over the leaves of tea that come in twisted leaves or gun powder balls to let them open up. I've noticed that with each consecutive steep pu-erh does indeed get more mild and less dirty tasting. It also complements meals a lot better than green teas and some white teas.

IMHO...   good tea is usually pretty clean...

it's ok to rinse tea.. but it makes very little difference if you just pour and pour out in 10 seconds, because the dirt is Folded INTO the leaves, because they curl during the drying process..

So... If you wait until they uncurl and rinsed then.. You'd lose MOST of the flavor...

[Dog]

Just got this in the mail

[iri]

my chinese clay teapot:

[GL1TCH3D]

my chinese clay teapot:

Show Image

Another clay teapot owner!
What year was yours made?

[iri]

if memory serves me well, it's like 4 years old.

[GL1TCH3D]

if memory serves me well, it's like 4 years old.

Oh =S Where did you get it?
My research into clay teapots didn't have much good news back when I was buying one. (As in most of the modern clay teapots didn't have proper mixes of clay/had filler)

[tp4tissue]

if memory serves me well, it's like 4 years old.

Oh =S Where did you get it?
My research into clay teapots didn't have much good news back when I was buying one. (As in most of the modern clay teapots didn't have proper mixes of clay/had filler)

there's really no reason to get unglazed clay, unless ur in it for the "collection"

Generally glazed has far less influence on the chemistry of your liquid..  it also doesn't soak up old oil / flavor

[GL1TCH3D]

if memory serves me well, it's like 4 years old.

Oh =S Where did you get it?
My research into clay teapots didn't have much good news back when I was buying one. (As in most of the modern clay teapots didn't have proper mixes of clay/had filler)

there's really no reason to get unglazed clay, unless ur in it for the "collection"

Generally glazed has far less influence on the chemistry of your liquid..  it also doesn't soak up old oil / flavor

Isn't that last point the reason unglazed yixing clay teapots are still in demand?

[iri]

if memory serves me well, it's like 4 years old.

Oh =S Where did you get it?

in a tea shop.

[tp4tissue]

if memory serves me well, it's like 4 years old.

Oh =S Where did you get it?
My research into clay teapots didn't have much good news back when I was buying one. (As in most of the modern clay teapots didn't have proper mixes of clay/had filler)

there's really no reason to get unglazed clay, unless ur in it for the "collection"

Generally glazed has far less influence on the chemistry of your liquid..  it also doesn't soak up old oil / flavor

Isn't that last point the reason unglazed yixing clay teapots are still in demand?

Tea is one of the elitist activities carried by the Nouveau-riche, at least in China.

The pots ARE in demand, but not for the right reasons, that being Tea.

[microsoft windows]

I've always liked to drink iced tea. Anybody else on here drink iced tea too?

[Protato_Tubby]

I've always liked to drink iced tea. Anybody else on here drink iced tea too?

I've tried it a couple of times, but I don't drink it regularly.

[smarmar]

I've always liked to drink iced tea. Anybody else on here drink iced tea too?

I've tried it a couple of times, but I don't drink it regularly.

I only drink iced tea when I'm at my parents' house. My dad makes southern-style iced tea, being that we're from Florida, US of A. He brews it strong and loads it with sugar and lime.

[turtlelordjp]

being a southerner I love me some iced tea.  I would have it over any other sweet drink. I also like hot tea, any recommendations for some good loose leaf tea I can get online because there doesn't seem to be much around where I am.  I'm down for anything not to labor intensive or bitter.  Thanks

[tp4tissue]

being a southerner I love me some iced tea.  I would have it over any other sweet drink. I also like hot tea, any recommendations for some good loose leaf tea I can get online because there doesn't seem to be much around where I am.  I'm down for anything not to labor intensive or bitter.  Thanks

I just throw some dirt into ice water..   delicious

[GL1TCH3D]

if memory serves me well, it's like 4 years old.

Oh =S Where did you get it?
My research into clay teapots didn't have much good news back when I was buying one. (As in most of the modern clay teapots didn't have proper mixes of clay/had filler)

there's really no reason to get unglazed clay, unless ur in it for the "collection"

Generally glazed has far less influence on the chemistry of your liquid..  it also doesn't soak up old oil / flavor

Isn't that last point the reason unglazed yixing clay teapots are still in demand?

Tea is one of the elitist activities carried by the Nouveau-riche, at least in China.

The pots ARE in demand, but not for the right reasons, that being Tea.

Yixing clay teapots are definitely elitist, I will agree to that

[Novus]

I was instructed to wash the pu-erh prior to steeping because of the dirt in it. Or at least that's what the instruction card the guy at the tea shop gave me, he didn't speak any English.

Also poison and insecticides.
 

[GL1TCH3D]

I was instructed to wash the pu-erh prior to steeping because of the dirt in it. Or at least that's what the instruction card the guy at the tea shop gave me, he didn't speak any English.

Also poison and insecticides.
 

I have a friend that spends a lot of time studying tea and I talked to him about washing tea.
He told me that washing tea was more of a tradition because in the past tea would get dirty when traveling long distances.
Of course nowadays, like you said, with the chemicals they use in growing now it can't hurt to wash the tea anyway.

[abdulmuhsee]

So... loose-leaf tea needs to be washed before use or something?

[Novus]

All tea needs to be washed it's part of the tradition.

[jacethesaltsculptor]

This thread has risen by the power of necromancy:

I'm a big tea guy, so I'll unload tea stuff here from time to time.

I'm currently as I said in another thread: Into South African Rooibos and Honeybush, which I enjoy in the evenings with honey.

Heck I'm going to make some right now.

[yuppie]

It's been a little while, but I've been getting tea from Red Blossom Tea Company https://redblossomtea.com/ -- I tend to stick to Oolong

Old Grove: https://redblossomtea.com/products/old-grove-shui-xian-ca-2013?variant=13560896421950

This tea is super good.

[Daniel-J]

A friend of mine has a tea shop and he says the supply has been bad lately, because of this virus. Don't you have a problem with shopping for your favorite tea? Of all the tea I have left at home is this model for my hydroponics farm. The rest of the regular tea is out of stock, I have to go to the shop.

[katushkin]

Yorkshire Tea do a brew that tastes like it has biscuits in it.

It's great

[Shapey Fiend]

Irish people drink a lot of tea. I think Turkey is the only one drinks more.

I like Barry's because that's what my family always drank. Loose tea in a steel kettle.

[noisyturtle]

Been into echinacea tea lately for obvious reasons, but I hate when they combo the flavor with licorice because it makes the tea all thick and disgusting.

[smarmar]

Been into echinacea tea lately for obvious reasons, but I hate when they combo the flavor with licorice because it makes the tea all thick and disgusting.

You must be getting your tea from the States. Manufacturers who cater to the US tend to add flavorings and/or sugar to most food products so that our overly-sugared consumers won't have to taste the bitterness...ooh yucky! It's difficult for me to find ginger snack pieces that aren't covered with sugar, even at the Asian grocery stores.